India begin a new chapter in T20I cricket under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer when they face Ireland in the first T20I in Belfast on Friday. The visitors head into the contest with a youthful squad, while Ireland will look to use familiar home conditions to challenge the reigning T20 World Cup champions. With India boasting greater depth in both batting and bowling, they start as overwhelming favourites despite the seam-friendly conditions in Belfast.
| Prediction | Pick |
|---|---|
| Match winner | India |
| Win probability | India – 80% |
| Win probability | Ireland – 20% |
| Toss winner | Ireland |
| Toss decision | Bowl first |
| Predicted first innings score | 170-180 |
| Player of the match | Shreyas Iyer |
| Top run-scorer (India) | Shreyas Iyer |
| Top wicket-taker (India) | Harshit Rana |
| Top run-scorer (Ireland) | Harry Tector |
| Top wicket-taker (Ireland) | Josh Little |
Who will win today’s IRE vs IND 1st T20I?
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India enter the series opener with a clear advantage thanks to their stronger batting depth, quality pace attack and impressive head-to-head record against Ireland. Shreyas Iyer’s side also features exciting youngsters eager to cement their places in the squad, while experienced players provide stability in key moments. Ireland have the home advantage and bowlers capable of exploiting the early movement, but they will need an exceptional all-round display to upset the visitors.If India negotiate the new-ball spell, their powerful middle order and varied bowling attack should take control of the contest. Expect Ireland to compete hard, especially in the powerplay, but India’s superior quality across departments makes them the favourites to begin the series with a victory.
